Application of Mechanistic versus Organic Organizational Structure Models in Dental Services: Cross-Sectional Study and Review

Abstract

Introduction: It is critical to understand both mechanistic and organic managerial models, as different approaches of management may need to be applied in different tasks within the same organization. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, single-facility-based study in dental care. A bilingual, electronically generated questionnaire (Arabic and English) was used at a large-scale dental center and distributed through a social media platform to a convenience sample (150 individuals). The questionnaire included demographic data, educational level, and Yes/No/I Don’t Know questions. Descriptive statistics were used for data summarization and presentation. Results: The response rate was 77%, with the age range from 18 to 54 years and female-to-male distribution of 34–66%, respectively. Participants were either clinical (75 [64.66%]) or administrative (41 [35.34%]) employees. One-hundred participants (94.83%) preferred the presence of clear job description, and 101 (87.07%) preferred working with the presence of organizational chart. In addition, when participants were asked about the possibility of training employees for performing tasks other than their own qualifications, there was some uncertainty in answers (Yes [40.52%]; No [49.14%]; I Don’t Know [10.34%]). There was a general agreement among the majority of participants that delegation of authority to lower-level employees is beneficial to the work environment (73.28%) and to the quality of provided dental services (78.45%), which is a more organic approach. When we asked our employees if they agree it is best to base workplace communication relationships on trust and cooperation and not on hierarchy and identified job description, the vast majority (81.90%) answered “Yes.” In addition, informality of communication was the main preference for most participants (61.21%), reflecting their preference for the organic model in the communication aspect. Discussion/Conclusion: It is concluded that contingency and situational theories are more preferred in participants working in dental settings. Mechanistic structures, in terms of the presence of an organizational chart, defined job descriptions, and workers performing tasks appropriate to their qualifications, seem to be preferred with dental workers. Furthermore, there is general agreement that delegation of authority as an organic approach is beneficial for the work environment in dental settings and has a positive effect on employee loyalty. Finally, informal organic communication methods are preferred by dental workers.